My dad calls every other day, sometimes every day

[Anonymous]

You'll wish you had talked to him more in the future. I wish my dad called me every day. But I do understand your frustration. Just answer when it is convenient. But not less than once a week. Someday you will be old and lonely too.

[Anonymous]

What annoys me is when I call my dad at a time that is convenient for me, but he won't answer, then he calls me back right at bath time for my four kids. Then acts irritated that I can't devote ALL of my attention to him. Ugh..

[Anonymous]

Gee, my dad moved 300 miles away from me and never calls. Count your blessings.

[Anonymous]

I'm like a lot of the other pp's and talk to my mom 1-4 times a day. What's funny is that she says she's not a phone person. Maybe a compromise is to talk to your dad about coming up with a weekly or 2x weekly phone date. Explain that you are so busy and don't feel you can talk to him when he usually calls so how about we plan to chat @ 4p on Tuesdays and Fridays. This serves to make *him* feel special (at that time you can devote to actually having a real talk and give him undivided attention). This way *you* will know exactly when you are expected to be *on*. It will be worth it to reach outside of your comfort zone to do something to make someone else feel good. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I think that you should be thankful that your dad is alive, and wants to talk to you. You are VERY fortunate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I forgot how bad it was because I lived overseas for a few years (he didn't call since he couldn't figure out how to!).

He calls literally every other day, sometimes daily, just to chat. It's driving me crazy. I am away from home, my 1-year-old, husband, and dog 11 hours/day, am not even managing time to work out at the moment, and it is all I can do to mask my irritation every time the phone says "Dad".

I usually pick up because who knows... it could be something important. Besides, he will just harass my mom (his ex-wife) if I don't speak to him for a few days to find out "what's wrong" with me.

He's employed, works OT frequently even, and married. Yet he wants to talk ALL THE TIME. I don't even enjoy talking on the phone, so it's especially annoying.

I don't think I am going to change him, so I just wanted to vent!!!

This post makes me sick to my stomach. My dad and I were very close and he passed away almost 7 years ago. I would give anything to see "Dad" on my caller ID, find out "what's wrong" or talk ALL THE TIME. You are lucky and should count your blessings instead of venting. I hope your kids don't answer the phone when you call and write this post about you being annoying when the tables are turned. Gross.

[Anonymous]

Agreed with the above poster!!!!!

[Anonymous]

OP sounds like an ungrateful ***** and needs to get over herself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I forgot how bad it was because I lived overseas for a few years (he didn't call since he couldn't figure out how to!).

He calls literally every other day, sometimes daily, just to chat. It's driving me crazy. I am away from home, my 1-year-old, husband, and dog 11 hours/day, am not even managing time to work out at the moment, and it is all I can do to mask my irritation every time the phone says "Dad".

I usually pick up because who knows... it could be something important. Besides, he will just harass my mom (his ex-wife) if I don't speak to him for a few days to find out "what's wrong" with me.

He's employed, works OT frequently even, and married. Yet he wants to talk ALL THE TIME. I don't even enjoy talking on the phone, so it's especially annoying.

I don't think I am going to change him, so I just wanted to vent!!!

THat's actually quite lovely.

Gee, you miss your dog? Really, OP? That's just...stupid. I can't believe you put that in with your child and husband. And it seems like a lame reason not to talk to you father. If it's not convenient, try to schedule time. It's not that hard, seriously.

[Anonymous]

I had to tell mine that I couldn't talk every day. We schedule time. I felt badly but honestly just could not talk every single day.

[Anonymous]

My dad is alive, I talk to him maybe once a month. My mom (still married to my dad) texts me everyday and calls once a week.

OP, I am going to try to call my dad at least twice a week. I am thankful for all he sacraficed so that I could achieve. Thank you OP and others for the recognition of my dad.

[Anonymous]

On a separate note OP I have a relative who calls constantly and doesn't leave a message. Seriously if you're going to call 3x's in a row, leave a !@##@ message.

[Anonymous]

If you have time to post on/read DCUM 5 mins a day (which many of us exceed by far), then you have time to make idle chit-chat with your dad.

[Anonymous]

I just don't understand your vent. Just cut the call short and say i have to go do x. I also have a job that keeps me away from my child and husband (no dog though), but i still talk to my mom daily. Sometimes even twice a day. If i feel it's getting too long, I just say, I need to run and we ended it. I just came from visiting a friend who lost her dad last year op, and she tells me the pain just doesn't go away and all she wishes is to hear his voice. You know what she also remembers most? That she talked twice to him just the day before over the telephone! I can understand how it must get to you now, listening to your father talk in detail about things that seem silly to you, while the 100 things that you have to do are running through your head and weighing on your shoulders, so make them shorter, and share more about your own day with your dad.

[Anonymous]

You're not ungrateful.

Just don't answer. Let him leave a message, and when you do talk to him and he questions your whereabouts, just say, "I've been very busy, Dad."